Fire destroys goods worth lakhs at Dharavi slum

January 22, 2013 12:27 IST

A raging inferno engulfed the Dharavi slum area in Mumbai on Tuesday, causing extensive damage to the godowns and houses. More than eight godowns were gutted along with several lakhs of rupees worth of goods.

The fire was noticed at around 2.15 am when most people were asleep in their slums.

Due to the plastic goods in the godowns, the fire rapidly spread to nearby houses and godowns.

One woman and two children were taken to a local hospital after they fell sick due to suffocation.

The fire brigade personnel were struggling till morning to douse the fire completely.

"We have information of about eight to ten godowns getting burnt. The fire is yet to be doused completely. We are trying to gain control over it. In some time, we will be able to control it fully. The godown (where the fire broke out) had mostly plastic and empty oil drums, which is why the fire spread rapidly. But now it is under control," said Deputy Commissioner of Police Dhananjay Kulkarni.

So far, no casualties have been reported from the site of the fire. A large number of policemen were posted in the locality and the power supply was switched off.

Nearly 12 fire engines and tankers were brought in to control the blaze.